Getting back on the wagon

When you’ve slipped in to some unhealthy habits over Christmas - reaching for the choccies, having second helpings, a few glasses of wine here and there and late nights watching films - you know you need to reign it back in but it’s easier said than done. When you start to get a taste for sweeter, richer foods, you will naturally crave them more. My 10 top tips will help you to overcome this and get your diet back to where it was before Santa came down the chimney.

Tip #1: Forgive Yourself

Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve stepped on the scales and gained a couple of kg’s or if your jeans are feeling tight. You had a great time and what’s done is done, but let’s move forward and put some healthy habits back in place.

Tip #2: Have a Clear Out

Those sweets, chocolates and biscuits which granny gave you for Christmas are no good to you now. No matter how long you resist them for, if they’re in the house you will eat them eventually. Do you body a favour and simply get rid of them. Kindly donate to somebody else or throw them away.

Tip #3: Get Back in the Gym

One of the best ways to encourage better eating is to have workout. Start the day with exercise and you will automatically want to feed your body better foods, so you don't undo all your hard work. Have a workout and you may think twice about having a ‘last Christmas treat’.

Tip #4: Stock Up On Healthy Food

Yes, your fridge contains half a Christmas pudding and enough cheese to feed an army. While it might sound crazy to buy more food, a fridge full of tempting treats won't help you get back on track. Go for a food shop and stock up on high fibre veggies to fill you up and lean protein (leftover turkey breast counts!) to keep you satisfied.

Tip #5: Try Some New Recipes

You will find it hard to get back to healthy eating if you are not excited about the meals you have planned. Look online, look through recipe books and magazines and make something new.

Tip #6: Remember How You Used To Feel

When I am eating junk and skipping my workouts, I feel like crap. If you’re struggling to get back in to a routine, then remind yourself of that feeling and that you don’t want to feel like that any more. Remember what it felt like to energise your body with wholesome natural foods.

Tip #7: Get Some Zzzzzz’s

When you don't need to get up for work, we often find ourselves staying up late watching tv and then sleeping in late as well. There might even be an afternoon nap in there too! Getting back in to a regular sleeping pattern where you’re in bed by 10:30pm, and awake at your regular time will give you more energy, improve weight loss and regulate your appetite.

Tip #8: Hydrate Yourself

Thirst often expresses itself as hunger, particularly cravings for sweet foods. So if you are craving something sweet, try drinking a glass of water and you will often quash the craving. Aim for 30ml of water per kg of body weight each day for optimal hydration. So if you’re 70kg, that’s 2.1 litres. Add an extra 500ml if you’re exercising.

Tip #9: Ditch the booze

Make a pledge to having a ‘dry January’ and give up alcohol for a month. Do it with a friend or with your partner for extra accountability. Your waistline and your bank account will thank you for it.

Tip #10: Give Yourself A New Goal

If you’re lacking a bit of motivation to get in the groove of exercising again after some time out, set yourself a new goal. A new weight loss target? A local event you’d like to enter? Or an exercise you’d like to get better at?